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Inklings Issue 5.08
================================================================
i n k l i n g s
Inkspot's newsletter for Writers on the Net
http://www.inkspot.com
Issue 5.8 * Over 45,000 subscribers! * Apr.14, 1999
================================================================
<http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/issues/ink0508.html>
This issue covers the basics of writing a good cover letter
(Judy Gripton), proofreading (Joyce Faust), and advice from
Lee Wardlaw (ASK THE CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITER) about resubmitting
a manuscript to publishing houses as well as how to interpret
rejection letters.
This issue sponsored by:
=================================================================
The WRITER'S SOFTWARE COMPANION: award-winning CD by Writer's
Digest's Nancy Kress rapidly accelerates writing/learning process.
Includes SOFTWARE DREAMPACK FOR WRITERS, 57 free/shareware writers'
programs, from brain trainers to time-savers and writing coaches.
Free downloads and extras: http://www.novalearn.com/sites/ink.htm
=================================================================
***50 GREAT WRITING CLASSES*** - Naomi Epel, author of the
_Observation Deck: A Toolkit for Writers_ and _Writers Dreaming_:
"I thought Judith's essay writing class notes were incredible!
Very clear and focusing. I thought the class brilliant."
WCU Course Catalog - http://www.writersclub.com/wcu/catalog.cfm
================================================================
STORYCRAFT WRITER'S SOFTWARE -- The original "Learn-As-You-Write"
program. Teaches classic premise, character, and structure
development AS YOU WRITE your novel or screenplay! Download it
in minutes or have it shipped. Secure ordering.
http://www.storycraft-soft.com (1-800-977-8679)
================================================================
ISSN 1205-6413. Copyright 1995-1998 Debbie Ridpath Ohi. See end
of issue for copyright/contact info. http://www.inkspot.com
================================================================
CONTENTS THIS ISSUE:
From The Editor's Desk
Fresh Ink and Market Information
Ask The Children's Book Writer
The Basics: Writing Cover Letters
Proofreading Made Easy
Writers' Classifieds
================================================================
POLICY: We will never sell or give away the Inklings subscriber
list for any reason. See http://www.inkspot.com/nospam.html
================================================================
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK:
=======================
Thanks to Rice Paper magazine for making me their cover story in
their spring issue. If you're interested in the cover layout,
please see:
http://www.inkspot.com/ohi/media.html
Thanks to all those who participated in the "favorite writers'
chat" poll. The most popular chatroom by far was Verla Kay's
"Kidlit" chat, which takes place every Tuesday at 9 pm EST at
http://www.mlode.com/~verlakay/ (click on the chat link). Users
reported a low noise factor, lots of useful discussion about
children's writing, "clean", friendly atmosphere. Past speakers
include Alice Beuning (editor of Children's Writers and
Illustrators Market) and Steven Malk (book agent). The writers'
chats on AOL were also highly recommended by several users.
A revised version of the E-Publishing FAQ has been posted in
Inkspot's new E-Publishing section at:
http://www.inkspot.com/epublish/
New articles and links are being added on a regular basis. Most
recent additions include:
On Demand Printing: A Brave New World - by Dr. Siobhan McNally
What Is E-Publishing? - by Carolyn Stone
and a new section about hand-held readers
Congratulations to Sandy Wilson, winner of WRITING WITH STYLE
and ALL IN ONE.
And finally, a question for all writers: Do you prefer to have
your writing critiqued before submitting it? If so, how do you
usually get this critique? Please post your answer (do not send
by email, thanks) on the Inkspot Writer's Poll page at:
http://www.inkspot.com/poll/
================================================================
FRESH INK
=========
BOOK PRIZE GIVEAWAY: WRITING LIFE STORIES
-----------------------------------------
By Bill Roorbach (Story Press, 1998). Roorbach shows you how to
turn your own experiences into personal essays and book-length
memoirs. Many practical exercises and examples...I dare anyone to
read this book and not be inspired! Deadline: Apr.25. For more
info about the book and how to enter, see:
http://www.inkspot.com/admin/giveaway.html
Setting Effective Writing Goals
-------------------------------
New article by Moira Allen, part of her monthly Freelancing 101
column. (DRO)
http://www.inkspot.com/moira/
Del Rey Online Writing Workshop
-------------------------------
The fantasy/sf imprint stopped taking unsolicited submissions,
but has opened a workshop where work is apparently being looked
at by editors. The mailing list is *extremely* active. (TK)
http://www.randomhouse.com/delrey/workshop/
E-Royalty advice
----------------
Part of the TAA (Textbook Authors Association) website. (DRO)
http://TAA.winona.msus.edu/taa/ARTICLES/98/09sep/0908abreact.html
e-Writers.Net
-------------
Over a hundred pages of writing information for those who work in
the electronic media and those who do their research online.
Start at outline page. (TK)
http://e-writers.net/outline.html
Children's Publisher Guidelines
-------------------------------
Resource site for children's writers and illustrators. Maintained
by Sandy Cook. Resource links, links to publisher submission
guidelines. (DRO)
http://www.signaleader.com/chldwrit.html
Copyright infringement
----------------------
Article by Sal Towse. Lots of useful advice here. (DRO)
http://www.computerbits.com/archive/19990400/copyright.htm
English to Latin Dictionary
---------------------------
Haven't you ever really wanted to put Latin into a work? Even
once? The site can be slow sometimes. (TK)
http://cawley.archives.nd.edu/cgi-bin/lookdown.pl
Fresh Ink editors: (TK=Tony King) (DRO=Debbie Ridpath Ohi)
(GH=Gail Heinsohn)
** Please send suggestions for Fresh Ink to freshink@inkspot.com
================================================================
FREELANCE SUCCESS newsletter gives nonfiction writers the tools
to earn a fulltime living. Detailed market info and online
writing classes. SASE to 801 NE 70th St., Miami, FL 33138, email
freelance-success@usa.net or see http://www.freelancesuccess.com
================================================================
Advertise in this space! Email sales@inkspot.com for info.
================================================================
MARKET INFORMATION
==================
Please get current, detailed guidelines before submitting to
publications if possible. Don't submit to email addresses unless
specifically stated. Include a SASE for surface mail replies.
More market info at: http://www.inkspot.com/bt/market/.
==-----------------------------------------------------==
"FNASR" = First North American Serial Rights, "SASE" =
self-addressed, stamped envelope, "simsubs" = simultaneous
submissions, "mss" = manuscript, "RT" = response time, "GL" =
guidelines, "wds" = words, "cc" = contributor's copy,
"IWGL" = Inkspot Writer's Guideline Library.
Markets Editor: Sal Towse (ST). Research assistants:
Shane Stacks (SS), Margaret Shauers (MS).
CONTEST: INSCRIPTIONS MURDER MYSTERY
------------------------------------
Inscriptions e-zine: http://come.to/Inscriptions (Mirror site:
http://members.aol.com/maidenfate/Inscriptions.html) Editor:
Pamela Wilfinger. The weekly e-zine for professional writers is
hosting a mystery writing contest. CIRC: 3K. NEEDS: "An
interesting, thoughtful, twisty, short murder mystery." GL: 3K
wds or less. Submissions accepted via email *only,* paste
directly into body of e-mail (no indentations and a space between
every paragraph) and send with subject header of "Mystery
Contest." Include author's real name, postal address, and e-mail
address. One short story per e-mail, please. Entries without
complete author information or sent in other formats will be
disqualified. Previously published material, simultaneous
submissions, and multiple submissions okay. DEADLINE: 5 p.m. EST
April 23, 1999 (enter as many times as you like). RIGHTS: One
Time Electronic. Story will appear in e-zine and on website for
one week, after which rights revert back to author. PAYS: $50
gift certificate to Amazon.com, and publication in Inscriptions.
RT: 48 hours. TIP: "The competition in our contests gets tougher
every month. An interested writer should definitely study the
contest guidelines and abide by them. Enter your best work. Don't
send us a work in progress. Try and make each entry as perfect as
possible. All acceptable submissions will be anonymously judged
by three to five professional writers/editors. Average high
score wins." (SS)
URL: http://come.to/Inscriptions
E-Mail: MaidenFate@aol.com
THE ROMANTIC BOWER
------------------
The Romantic Bower E-Zine: http://www.theromanticbower.com 1450
North Santa Fe "C", Suite 304, Vista, CA, 92083. Phone: (800)
750-7481. Senior Editor: Chris Theann Bossert. Acquisitions
Editor: Marcia Kiser. The online Romance resource for romantic
writers and readers of fiction, poetry and nonfiction articles on
all subjects related to writing, romance and family values. FREQ:
updated daily. CIRC: 10K pageviews/month. NEEDS: High-quality
submissions from new and experienced authors in all areas
pertaining to romance or women's fiction. Not interested in
bondage, pornographic or non-romantic themes. GL: *Categories*-
Simply Romance, Women's Fiction, Forbidden Love, Lost Loves,
Haunting Loves, Mystical Magic, Paranormal, Time Travel,
Suspense, True Story Type Fiction, Historical Romances,
Historical Fiction with more categories added as needed. *How*-
Submit via email by pasting the text in the body of an email, or
via postal mail (include hardcopy *and* disk in text format to
speed up the process). *Submission Format*- Author's Name, Title
of Work, Type of Work (Short Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry,
Novella, Novel length for e-books) Category, Rating, Personal
information (Address, phone number and bio), then your work.
*Other*- No simsubs, multiple subs okay, previously published
material pays 1/2. RIGHTS: First (occasionally Second) World-Wide
Electronic display rights (Internet publication), up to 90 days,
perpetual electronic display rights in our on-line archives, and
an option to include the work in an anthology or "best of"
collection (electronic, print, or both) for an additional fee (to
be determined). PAYS: Fiction- $100 for 1500-2999 wds, $150 for
3000-4000 (or longer) wds. Novellas: Advance of $150, plus
quarterly royalties. Nonfiction- $50/article. Poetry is
negotiable. Pays 1/2 within 30 days of hardcopy contract's
return, 1/2 within 30 days of publication. RT: 90 days. TIP:
"Understand that we work with 90% of our submissions to make
them publishable. Our turn-around is approximately 90 days for
acceptance, then 60 days for the required edits to be returned to
you for editing. To speed up this process, submit a clean and
well-developed story and if it deals with romance you have a 90%
chance of publication." (SS)
URL: http://www.theromanticbower.com
GL: http://theromanticbower.com/guidelin.shtml
E-Mail:
Senior Editor-TRBChris@aol.com /
Acquisitions Editor- MMKedit@aol.com
General Correspondence- everything@theromanticbower.com
Fiction - fiction@theromanticbower.com
NonFiction - nonfiction@theromanticbower.com
Poetry - poetry@theromanticbower.com
AIM
----
Aim, America's Intercultural Magazine, P.O. Box 20554, Chicago IL
60620. TEL: (312)874-6184. Ruth Apilado, Associate Editor.
Quarterly magazine on social betterment that promotes racial
harmony and peace. EST. 1975. CIRC. 10K. The editorial aim is "to
purge racism from the human bloodstream." Audience: high school,
college and older adults. Occasionally younger children write
material and are published here, as well. Each issue contains
nonfiction: expose (education); general interest (social
significance); historical/nostalgic (Black or Indian), how-to
(create a more equitable society); profile (one who is making
social contributions to community); book reviews and reviews of
plays that reflect the ethnic/minority orientation of the
magazine. No religious material. 500-800 wds. Fiction used is
ethnic, historical, mainstream, suspense. "Fiction that teaches
the brotherhood of man." 1000-1500 wds. Also uses poetry, jokes,
anecdotes, newsbreaks. Pay ranges from $3 to $35 on publication
(publishes ms an average of three months after acceptance) for
one-time rights. Offers kill-fee of 60% on assigned work. Accepts
simultaneous submissions. The editor asks freelancers to read the
magazine and says, "By reading the magazine, everyone can get
proof that people from different racial/ethnic backgrounds are
more alike than they are different." The editor also suggests,
"Interview anyone of any age who unselfishly is making an unusual
contribution to the lives of less fortunate individuals. Include
photo and background of person. We look at the nations of the
world as part of one family. Short stories and historical pieces
about Blacks and Indians are the areas most open to freelancers.
Subject matter of submission is of paramount concern for us
rather than writing style. Articles and stories showing the
similarity in the lives of people with different racial
backgrounds are desired." AIM Magazine has an annual short story
contest with a $100 award. The story must be unpublished and
embody the goals of furthering the brotherhood of man through the
written word. The contest is particularly open to new writers.
They're looking for compelling well written stories with lasting
social significance. The story should not moralize. Maximum
length is 4,000 wds. The winner is published every year in the
fall issue. Deadline each year is August 15. Send typewritten
copy to AIM, P.O. Box 1174, Maywood, IL 60153. SAMPLE COPY and
writer's guidelines for $4 and 9x12 SAE with $1.87 postage (US).
(MS)
GL: SASE to address above
AIRLINE PILOT CAREERS
---------------------
Airline Pilot Careers (ALPC), c/o AIR, Inc. 3800 Camp Creek
Parkway, Ste. 18-100, Atlanta, GA 30331-6228. Assistant Editor:
Ian Tocher. Glossy, four-color, 44pp magazine covering
professional pilots and airlines. CIRC: 18K, by subscription
only. Articles also appear on AIR, Inc. Web site. FREQ: Monthly.
NEEDS: ALPC is part of Aviation Information Resources, Inc., a
consulting company to help pilots reach their goals to fly for
major airlines. We publish strictly for professional U.S.-based
pilots and most of our subscribers are AIR, Inc. members. In each
issue, ALPC features two airline profiles, presenting a brief
history of each airline, pilot hiring and training processes, and
a Q&A; interview with at least one significant airline official.
Each issue also has three to five articles covering flight- or
hiring-related topics, many of which are suggested by freelance
contributors. We do not publish fiction, travel articles,
passenger-oriented articles, humor articles, or anything dealing
with airlines outside the United States. Writers may submit
photographs to complement articles. GL: 1,200-3,000 wds preferred
for general articles. Airline profiles by assignment only. Submit
query with cover letter containing brief bio and experience.
Submit via snail mail or e-mail. PAYS: $.15 to $.20/wd on
publication, depending on subject. Published photos receive $50
to $250. TIP: "Articles must be informative, yet entertaining. Be
aware you are writing for professional airline pilots, so the
information must be technically accurate. This is not a
publication for novice writers." (ST)
URL: http://www.jet-jobs.com
E-mail: itocher@airapps.com
Please send market news to Sal Towse, towse@inkspot.com.
=================================================================
Ask The Experts
---------------
*** Please put "inklings question" in the subject header. ***
Judith Bowen (ROMANCE WRITER) JudithBowen@poboxes.com
David Breeden (POET) drpoetry@ktc.com
Charles Deemer (SCREENWRITER) cdeemer@teleport.com
Mark Fowler (LAWYER) askthelawyer@inkspot.com
Carol Henson (BOOK DOCTOR) bookdoc@Prodigy.net
Ken Jenks (ELECTRONIC PUBLISHER) MindsEye@tale.com
Michelle Sagara (SF/FANTASY WRITER) Michelle.Sagara@sff.net
Lee Wardlaw (CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITER) lee@inkspot.com
Marcia Yudkin (FREELANCE WRITER) send to yudkin@inkspot.com
Columnists may be unable to reply privately to every message,
but will answer selected questions in future issues of Inklings.
Please keep your question BRIEF and send it to *one* columnist.
=================================================================
ASK THE CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Lee Wardlaw <lee@inkspot.com>
What does having a 'slight' manuscript mean?
--------------------------------------------
Q: I've received a number of rejection letters telling me that my
picture books are charming but "slight". Can you tell me what an
editor means by this?
A: Patricia Lee Gauch, editor-in-chief of Philomel Books, says:
"I receive hundreds of manuscripts in a year; they are lovely
lists; they are moody sojourns; they are colorful dialogues; they
are pleasant slices of life; they are charming anecdotes. Story
is rare."
These kinds of manuscripts will almost always be returned to
sender with a rejection letter that contains that nebulous word
"slight".
What an editor usually means by this is that your picture book
has no story: there is no main character, no conflict, no plot or
resolution. If your manuscript is lacking in these essential
elements, then the idea as a whole will collapse, unable to carry
an entire picture book.
To determine if your picture book passes the "slight test", ask
yourself the following questions:
1. Can my main character solve her own problem? If the answer is
no - - indeed, if no one can solve it - - then you have a
situation, not a story. Stories require solutions. Your main
character must be able to:
? solve her problem, or
? change the situation, or
? change herself.
In the picture book BOOTSIE BARKER BITES by Barbara Bottner, the
protagonist, a young girl, thinks she must act as a proper
hostess, politely entertaining Bootsie, the daughter of her
mother's best friend, even though Bootsie takes great glee in
threatening to bite her every time they're together. Eventually,
the protagonist learns that she will forever be Bootsie's victim
unless she stands up for herself and puts an end to Bootsie 's
bullying. Not only does she solve her problem (you'll have to
read the book to learn how - I don't want to give away the
surprise ending!), she also changes the situation *and* herself.
2. Will my character have to struggle to solve this problem?
Will she face difficulties?
Without a struggle of some sort, your story will lack conflict
and suspense - - which means a boring story and a bored audience.
3. Is the problem vitally important to the character?
If the answer is yes, then it will become vitally important to
your readers too. They'll cheer your protagonist on until she
finally crosses the finish line.
4. Is the story important to you, the author?
A main character is always an extension of yourself; her feelings
and reactions and discoveries are based on your own. If you
don't feel a passion for your character, her problem, and her
ultimate solution, your story will fall flat and earn that stamp
of disapproval: "Slight."
Can I resubmit a manuscript to a publishing house?
--------------------------------------------------
Q: I recently revised a manuscript, with the help of a published
author, that was rejected by several publishing houses a couple
of years ago. Is it proper to resubmit my story to the same
houses? I feel foolish doing this, but have no other options.
A: Chances are, the editors who rejected your manuscript are no
longer at those publishing houses. Editors play a whirlwind game
of "musical chairs" with their jobs, and vacate their positions
faster than you can say "rewrite!" So, there's no reason to feel
foolish about resubmitting your book, especially since it sounds
as if you have made substantial changes to the manuscript.
I advise you to check the 1999 CHILDREN'S WRITER'S &
ILLUSTRATOR'S MARKET guide to learn the name of the submissions
editor at each house to which you care to send your book. If it's
a name you don't have on your past submission list, then send the
manuscript with a standard cover letter. If it's an editor you
received a rejection letter from in the past, state in your cover
letter the exact thing you told me: that you've since had a
professional evaluate your book, and that you're submitting a
manuscript that has been revised. That should cover your bases
nicely!
It is common for authors to submit and resubmit and resubmit
again the same manuscripts. I sold my young adult novel DON'T
LOOK BACK to Avon/Flare after submitting it to the same editor
*three* times over a period of several years. My upcoming easy
reader HECTOR'S HICCUPS was rejected by an editor at Random
House; it got a second read about a year later from a new editor
there who bought it on the spot! Times change, needs change, and
personalities and positions change -- all these add up to a new
market at an old house, which can be very good news for a
new-and-improved manuscript.
Good luck!
==-----------------------------------------------------==
Lee Wardlaw is the award-winning author of 20 books for children,
ranging from picture books to young adult novels. Her newest
titles include _Bow-Wow Birthday_ (Boyds Mills Press), a picture
book illustrated by Arden Johnson-Petrov; and DINOSAUR PIZZA
(Troll), an easy-reader illustrated by Julie Durrell. Lee's web
page is at http://www.inkspot.com/author/lee/
Copyright (c) 1999 Lee Wardlaw.
=================================================================
THE BASICS: WRITING COVER LETTERS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Judy Gripton <jude@sanasys.com>
Whether you're a writer of poetry, fiction or non-fiction,
chances are that you're hoping to one day publish your work.
Cover letters are an essential tool for introducing yourself and
your work to an editor. It's important to keep them short and to
the point. Most editors receive thousands of submissions and
prefer not to be 'stuck' in a self-indulgent cover letter.
Regardless of what genre you write, you need to provide an editor
with a few key items.
1. Address the editor by name. Make all efforts to know who is
the current editor for your genre in the particular publication
to which you are submitting.
2. Tell the editors why you're writing them. They need to know
right away that you are sending your work for their review in
consideration of publishing it.
3. Introduce your work with a brief synopsis of your work. Don't
spend too much time here. Let your work speak for itself.
4. Provide a few credentials. Show the editor that you are
reliable, talented and are beginning to build a name for
yourself. If you are a new writer, let them know.
5. Make sure your cover letter and manuscript are crisp, clean,
well proofed and include an SASE
6. Always sign your cover letter.
**For the sake of saving space, I'll provide the body of each
type of cover letter. However, remember to use a formal business
format including date, address etc.Ê
Poetry:
-------
As the editor of a poetry journal, I know that poetry submissions
come in extremely high numbers each day. I prefer cover letters
that are short, tell me a little about each poem, the poet, and
leave me enough space to make my own decision. Here's a sample of
what I like to see as a poetry editor. Sherry Rentschler provided
this cover letter.
Dear [Editor's Name],
Enclosed are two poems for your review:Ê ["Poem 1"] and
["Poem 2"]. These poems are unpublished and submitted for
consideration to the [Publisher's Name].
["Poem 1"] is a moment taken from my own youth at a ballet
recital but is seen from the parent's eyes. ["Poem 2"] is a
commentary about four of Man's most powerful emotions and the
effect of these emotions on Mankind.
(Describe here in a brief commentary your accomplishments as a
writer. Keep it brief. If you're a new writer, tell them.)
I have enclosed a SASE for use in your reply.Ê Thank you for
your time and interest. I look forward to hearing from you.
Fiction:
--------
Fiction writers have a bit more of a challenge. You need to
convince an editor that your story is good enough for them to
take the time to read. You do that with a knockout cover letter.Ê
Provide the editors with just enough to draw their interest. Give
them a stunning synopsis of your story without giving too much
away and just enough information about you to let them know that
you know what you're doing. A sample:
Dear [Editor's Name],
Enclosed is a copy of my short story,["My Bestseller"]. The
manuscript is also available as an attachment via email or on
a 3.5" disk in MS Word or ANSII text format.
(Include a perfect description of your story here. Be brief
and concise. Leave enough to allow the storyÊto speak for
itself.)
My publishing credits include: ["This Story"] published by
[publisher] on [this date]. Ê["Another story"] published by
[another publisher] on [another date]. Ê
I thank you in advance for the time and effort you expend
considering my work. An S.A.S.E is included for your response.
Non-fiction:
------------
Most editors of magazines and journals who print non-fiction
pieces, including articles and interviews, prefer that you first
query them. Here's a sample:
Dear [Editor's Name],
I've searched the internet through the years always looking
for information concerning the different ways to write a good
cover letter. Generally, what I have found were sample query
letters primarily aimed at fiction writers. Little has been
said about cover letters for submitting articles, fiction and
poetry.
I'd like to offer a 500-800-word article outlining the basics
of a good cover letter for each genre with a sample of each.
I'll also include a few internet addresses to allow your
readers to continue research in this area, if desired.
I've been writing for several years. Some of my current
projects include : [list a few of your credentials here]
Just remember that your cover letter is "the first impression."Ê
With a little time and effort, yours can put you into print. Here
are a few extra links to further your knowledge in the submission
process. Good Luck!
SOME ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Poetry:
http://amateurpoetry.virtualave.net (The Amateur Poetry Journal)
http://www.zuzu.com (Zuzu's Petal Quarterly)
Fiction:
http://www.purefiction.com (Pure Fiction)
http://www.writerswrite.com (Writer's Write)
Non-Fiction:
http://www.jkelman.com (Welcome to Judith Kelman's Writers' Room)
http://www.wwwscribe.com/icca.htm (WWW Scribe)
==-----------------------------------------==
Judy has written for many years and instead of boring you with
her credentials, she'd like to leave you with a bit of wisdom
from Maya Angelou: "If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can
totally transform one million realities."
Copyright (c) 1999 Judy Gripton.
=================================================================
PROOFREADING MADE EASY
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Joyce Faust <joymarie@snet.net>
Writers aren't necessarily good proofreaders. Quality
proofreading, like writing, is a skill that takes practice. Many
writers find it tedious to search for errors and don't proofread
with the same zest that they had for writing. They often wonder
why their creative efforts are rejected. Often it's not because
the writing is bad, but is due to error-filled copy. No matter
how good the writing, most editors won't read further than the
first page if they see poor spelling, sloppy punctuation, or
numerous typos. Writers are expected to impress editors not only
with their creativity, but with professional-looking copy. For a
higher success rate finding errors, use the following steps.
1. Learn standard proofreading marks. Basic knowledge of the
marks enables you to quickly and accurately show how errors need
to be corrected.
2. Don't rely on spell checks. They don't find all spelling
errors, improper hyphenations, or word variances. Use them for
general checks only, relying on skill to find all errors,
including mistakes spell checks can't detect.
3. Proofread from hard copy. A higher percentage of mistakes will
be found on printed pages rather than on a computer monitor. If
most proofreading is done via the screen, always do the final
reading from printed copy.
4. Scan copy for general appearance. Give each page a
comprehensive overview. Check justification, margins, paragraph
indentations, line spacing, accurate font size/style, and
sequential page numbers. Pages should be uniform and consistent.
5. Read everything aloud. A different cognitive process is used
when reading aloud. You'll find more errors than when you read
silently to yourself.
6. Allow some time before each reading. This gives your mind the
ability to forget what you wrote and how you interpreted it, and
enables you to proofread more objectively.
7. Read sentences slowly and separately. Your mind tends to fill
in what's missing or in error because you originally created it.
When reading each sentence independently, you're more inclined to
think about grammar, punctuation, and syntax, rather than reading
quickly when your mind knows in advance what you intended to
write.
8. Don't be lazy--look it up. Whenever you have the slightest
doubt regarding spelling, punctuation, or grammar, use your best
reference book to find the correct answer.
9. Wait a day before your final proofreading. A time delay of 24
hours or more allows you to give your writing a fresh
proofreading, and increases your ability to catch errors missed
beforehand.
==-----------------------------------------==
Joyce Faust is a proofreader with 30 years experience in
newspapers, publishing, and printing. She does proofreading,
editing, and manuscript typing as a home-based business. Joyce is
also a freelance writer and has been published in magazines and
newspapers, focusing on disability, pets, and women's topics.
Copyright (c) 1999 Joyce Faust.
=================================================================
INKSPOT WRITERS COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE (IWCC) by Shane Stacks
http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc/
Topic: IWCC ORIENTATION TOUR
Host: Shane Stacks Date: Saturday, 17 April
Time: 12 PM EST, 11 AM CST (5 PM GMT)
Place: Inkspot Classroom (http://noisey.oise.utoronto.ca/iwcc/)
Have you taken the time to discover all the ins-and-outs of the
IWCC environment? There's a lot more than just the Classroom,
including a coffee shop, private residences, and even our very
own receptionist and newspaper! Join me for an exciting hour of
exploration in this dynamic online community (torches
supplied)...Hope to see you there! Advance questions welcome:
staxx@inkspot.com
IWCC NOTABLES:
- AUTO FILES: Chat transcripts now available on autoresponders!
To access, either send a blank email to iwccauto@inkspot.com,
or visit http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc/transcripts.html
MISCELLANY: Up-to-date IWCC info and help can ALWAYS be found at
http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc/, or contact Shane Stacks
directly: staxx@inkspot.com. The IWCC is generously supported by
the kind folks at MOOkti (http://noisey.oise.utoronto.ca:9996/).
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W R I T E R S ' C L A S S I F I E D S
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WEBSTORE FOR WRITERS includes the popular "Writers' Software
Store". Ready to be a Master? See http://www.MasterFreelancer.com
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Thick skin wearing thin? Agented Bookdoc will help whip your mss
into publishable shape. REASONABLE rates. L.Grant@prodigy.net
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A contest EVERY month for a CASH prize at The Writers' Hangout.
Membership is free! Simply submit your work to one of our 14
genres, along with a cool password for access to the Members'
Section, and that's it! Members are automatically eligible for
all contests! http://www.writershangout.com
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ABC Editing: Successful, published writers perform Effective,
affordable editing! See http://www.abcediting.com
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WRITERS' CHAT EVENTS: Announce your chat for free in Inkspot!
Add your own chat listing (please read guidelines first).
http://www.inkspot.com/classifieds/chats.html
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Inkspot Secret Prize Giveaway: If you see this ad, send email to
giveaway@inkspot.com with "apr/99" in the subject header. Three
names will be randomly drawn to win classy bookmarks.By entering,
you give Inkspot permission to publish your name.
Deadline: April 25/99
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EDITOR: Debbie Ridpath Ohi <editor@inkspot.com>
ASSISTANT EDITORS RESEARCH/EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Fox, Chris Donner Shane Stacks, Margaret Shauers
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Bryan Fullerton Tony King, Bianca Thomas, Shane Stacks
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Sal Towse Tony King, Gail Heinsohn
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PROOFREADER:
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BUSINESS PARTNER: Jeff Ridpath
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Fowler, Susan Graham, Carol Henson, Ken Jenks, Michelle Sagara,
Sal Towse, Lee Wardlaw, Marcia Yudkin.
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Thanks to Samurai Consulting for hosting the Inklings mailing
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